Violent fires continue to rage around Europe
Around 500 firefighters, 120 firefighting vehicles and several aircraft and helicopters have since early Wednesday tried to prevent the fire northeast of Athens from spreading to the adjacent suburbs of Pentéli, Pallíni, Anthoúsa and Gérakas, with a total of almost 30,000 inhabitants.
Evacuated a children's hospital
During the night, a total of about 600 people were evacuated from the area, reports TT.
Police and firefighters have helped many elderly people to flee their homes and a children's hospital has also been evacuated in the exposed area.
According to Greek authorities, about ten buildings have been damaged or burned down.
At present, however, there is no information on any injured or missing persons.
Several orders for evacuation
The rescue service now warns that the drought and heat will significantly increase the risk of forest fires.
On Tuesday, four separate evacuation orders were issued, said Yiannis Artopios, spokesman for the fire brigade.
- It has been a tough day, he says and adds that over 400 firefighters have been deployed and that 300 police officers worked to direct traffic and patrol to prevent looting in the area.
Last year, 1,300 square kilometers of land burned around Greece.
It was the worst fire year since 2007.